Subclass 802 Visa – Australian Child (Onshore) Visa

If your child is currently residing in Australia, the subclass 802 visa provides a pathway for them to remain in the country under the guardianship of their parents. Dive in to gain advice from our consultants to help you navigate the Visa 802 application process smoothly for your child in Australia.

Subclass 802 Child Visa Overview

The Subclass 802 visa allows dependent children who are living outside of Australia to immigrate and live permanently in Australia with their Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen parents.

While holding a subclass 802 Child visa, the visa holders will be entitled to the following benefits:

• Permanent residency: Provides the right to live in Australia permanently with parents.
• Education: Access to Australia’s public education system (secondary, universities, vocational institutions).
• Healthcare: Access to the public healthcare system and Medicare.
• Work rights: Permission to work in Australia without restrictions.
• Travel: Travel to and from Australia freely during the visa validity.
• Pathway to citizenship: May apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the requirements.
• Family reunification: Provides children with a safe, supportive family life in Australia.

While the Subclass 101 visa requires the applicant to be offshore when applying, the Subclass 802 visa requires the applicant to be onshore in Australia during the visa application process.

Eligibility for an 802 Child Visa

Like any other Family visas, a Subclass 802 requires both the applicants and sponsor to meet the following requirements:

• Relationship: The child must be the biological or adopted child or stepson/stepdaughter of the sponsor who is an:
  • Australian citizen
  • Australian permanent resident
  • Eligible New Zealand citizen
• Age: The child must be
  • Single and under 18, or
  • Aged 18-25, studying full-time and financially dependent, or
  • Over 18 with a disability and reliant on their parents
  • Under 18 at the time of adoption (if adopted)
  • Able to include dependent children in the application
• Sponsorship: The sponsor must have legal responsibility for the child, including:
  • Covering government-related costs
  • Providing accommodation, financial support, and general care for the first two years
  • Assisting the child’s settlement and English learning, if needed
• Financial support: Assurance that the child will receive adequate financial support while living in Australia.
• Health and character: Must meet health and character requirements
• Location: The child must be in Australia at the time of application and decision.
• Consent: For children under 18, the visa requires legal permission to move (written consent, home country laws, or an Australian court order).

Document Checklist For 802 Visas

Identity

• Child’s valid passport
• Birth certificate showing both parents
• Name-change documents (if any)

Relationship

• Proof that the sponsor is the parent/step-parent/adoptive parent
• Adoption papers (if applicable)
• Marriage or de facto evidence for step-parents
• Custody or court orders (if relevant)

Health & Character

• Medical examinations
• Police clearances and Form 80 (if aged 16+)

Financial Dependency

• Evidence of financial support from the sponsor
• Proof of full-time study or disability (if the child is over 18)

Sponsor Status

• Australian passport or citizenship certificate, or
• PR visa grant, or
• Proof of eligible New Zealand status

Forms & Photos

• Form 47CH and Form 40CH
• Recent passport-size photos
• Any guardianship or parental-rights documents

Application Process of an 802 Visa

Applying for this visa may seem detailed, but following the right steps makes it much easier:

1. Get documents ready

• Child’s identity papers (passport, birth certificate)
• Proof of relationship to the sponsor (birth or adoption records)
• Evidence of financial dependence if the child is over 18
• Health checks and character documents

2. Submit the application

• Lodge online through the Department of Home Affairs
• Double-check that all information and documents are complete and correct

3. Pay the visa charge

• The base application fee starts from AUD 4,040
• Extra costs may apply for medical exams, translations, or certifications

4. Application assessment

• Processing time is usually around 20-26 months
• Complete and well-prepared applications help reduce delays

5. Visa decision

Once approved, the child receives permanent residency with full PR privileges

Cost of an 802 visa

According to the new Migration strategy 2026-27, the subclass 802 visa cost is AUD 4,040 for the main applicant.

Note: The Subclass 802 visa fees listed above do not include a 1.4% surcharge.

802 Visa Processing Times

The subclass 802 processing time is from 20 to 26 months. This time can vary depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your application.

To be granted visa 802 in the earliest possible time, your visa application should be processed properly and as a “ready-made decision”. It’s best to contact VEM for further assistance.

For guidance on Subclass 802 visa eligibility, please contact VEM. Our registered migration consultant, Mr. Peter Cao (MARN: 1577877), a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), will assist you.

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent
(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

Frequently asked questions

Mr. Phong Cao

CEO and Founder of VEM

Mr. Phong Cao is a licensed migration agent by MARA (MARN: 1577877). He is also a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), one of the most reputable organizations in the field of immigration in Australia. In addition, Mr. Phong Cao holds a QEAC certification in study abroad consulting (QEAC: K580) and Australian real estate investment (RA85931). With over 12 years of experience in Australian immigration, he provides comprehensive solutions for studying and settling in Australia.